Dear Editor,
I am writing to share an inspiring story that highlights both the challenges and innovations in supporting children with disabilities in Bhutan.
Consider Pema Choden’s daughter at the Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, who was born deaf and with cerebral palsy, facing daily struggles with communication, eating, and writing. Similarly, at Drukgyel Primary School, a student with cerebral palsy grapples with muscular coordination while walking. These are just two examples among many that illustrate the hurdles our children with disabilities face.
In response, a three-day “South Asia Regional Makeathon for Assistive Technology” was held at the Royal Textile Academy in Thimphu. This initiative is a promising step towards change. It brought together 85 participants, organized into seven teams, to explore the use of 3D printing in developing bespoke assistive devices. Each team included two students with similar special educational needs, ensuring that the devices are tailored to individual requirements. Crucially, parents and teachers provided invaluable input throughout the process.
As one teacher from the Wangsel Institute for the Deaf in Paro, Pem, explained, “The makeathon allows us to identify and share what assistive technology can be built to meet individual students’ specific needs.” Likewise, Tshering Yangzom, a teacher at Drukgyel Primary School, expressed hope that the event will lead to the creation of more durable devices, in contrast to current homemade solutions that often break easily.
Participants engaged in team-building activities, needs assessments, sketching, and early prototyping on the first day. The following days were dedicated to refining their designs, research, and prototype development, culminating in final presentations and a panel discussion. Mentors included experts from seven FabLabs across Bhutan, occupational therapists, and three Japanese digital fabrication specialists.
This is the second makeathon of its kind in Thimphu, following a successful event at the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super Fab Lab last year. It demonstrates the transformative power of technology and collaboration in building a more inclusive future for all.
I sincerely hope you will publish this letter, and through your news portal will bring more attention to this significant development for the specially abled.
Sincerely,
Dechen Wangmo, Educator
